About VC

Motorcycle Safety

Basic RiderCourse

If you haven't had much riding experience, or if you've never ridden at all this course is for you. Students learn how to operate a motorcycle, the best protective clothing to wear, how to avoid dangerous situations, and, what's most important, how to get out of those dangerous situations you can't avoid.

Students are required to take an MSF eCourse online prior to the first day of the Basic RiderCourse.

Upon successful completion of the two-day course, students are issued an MSB-8 certificate which should satisfy the Texas Department of Public Safety's driving and written exams for those 18 and older. Students less than 18 years of age will still need to take the driving portion at the DMV.

The Texas Motorcycle Law requires the completion of a Basic Motorcycle Course to receive a new motorcycle license (M endorsement). More information on the law is available at the Texas DPS Motorcycle and Moped licenses.

Basic RiderCourse Requirements & Dates

Students must be able to ride and balance a bicycle. Students must provide and wear the following required safety gear: DOT approved helmet (loaners available), eye protection (glasses or face shield), full-fingered gloves, long-sleeve shirt or jacket, over-the-ankle boots (with low heels), long pants (jeans or sturdy material with no holes or tears).

Upcoming Basic RiderCourse classes:

2018

Oct. 6-7
Oct. 20-21
Oct. 27-28
Nov. 10-11
Dec. 1-2

2019

Registration Information

The following forms must all be completed and returned to the WCE office in order for registration to be complete. Note: Minor must be accompanied by his/her parent or legal guardian and must register in person.

Note: The Registration, Waiver, Student Information Forms, and a copy of your valid driver's license are required with payment in order to register for the course.

Basic RiderCourse FAQs

How much does the course cost? The Basic RiderCourse is $250.

When is payment due? Payments can be made up until the last business day before the class, but please note that registration is neither complete nor secure until payment has been made.

What time is the course held? The course is held on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What will I need to bring to the course? Review the admissions and requirements to learn what you need to bring and what will be provided.

What type of motorcycles will we use during the course? We use Kawasaki, Honda, and Suzuki motorcycle models 300cc or less.

Where does the course take place? The course is held at the Emerging Technology Complex, Industrial Training Center room 221, 7403 Lone Tree Road.

Who will teach the course? Our RiderCoaches are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Please visit Motorcycle RiderCoaches to learn more about our instructors.

I've never ridden a motorcycle. Is this course for me? Absolutely! The Basic RiderCourse is designed for students who have not had much riding experience or who have never ridden a motorcycle at all.

Does this course waive the written and driving portion of the DPS motorcycle test? Successful completion of the Basic RiderCourse should waive both the written and driving portions of the Texas DPS test, for those 18 and over. Students less than 18 years of age will still need to take the driving portion at the DMV.

What is the refund guideline? Refunds are issued due to course cancellation or student withdrawal before the first class day. If a course is canceled by the College or the student drops the course before the first class day, a 100% tuition refund is automatically issued to the enrolled student. Students who must drop a course before the first class day are responsible for giving advance notice of the withdrawal to the appropriate College office during office hours. Refunds are not issued for students who fail to show up for class or arrive late.

What happens if it rains during the course? The course is held rain or shine! The instructor may stop or postpone the class if he or she deems it necessary in the event of dangerous weather conditions.

When is the Basic RiderCourse offered? The course is offered on the weekends:
Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

How old do I need to be to register for this course? Students must be at least 15 years old before the class begins and must have a Class C instructional permit or an unrestricted Class C, or higher, driver's license. Note: Minor must be accompanied by his/her parent or legal guardian and must register in person. Admissions and Requirements

Is there a guarantee that I will pass the course? No. To complete the course, riders must pass a knowledge and skills test. While many students pass on their first attempt, it is not uncommon for some students to repeat the course.Tuition will be charged for repeating the course.

Motorcycle RiderCoaches

Stephen Fuhrman

A native Victorian, Stephen Fuhrman has been riding motorcycles for over 40 years. He started out on a 1969 Honda Z-50 Mini-Trail and he now rides a Honda Gold Wing. Stephen became a RiderCoach in 2007 and says he enjoys teaching because it fulfills his passion for being on and around motorcycles, while helping others to become responsible motorcyclists. It may be common knowledge that riding a motorcycle involves more risk than driving a car, but riding is much more exciting and enjoyable than driving, especially when you choose to become an informed rider and learn how to manage the risks.

Stephen earned his bachelor's degree in biology from The University of Texas at Austin. He works in the environmental group at Dow Chemical Co. in Seadrift.

Aftan Puente

Aftan Puente received her certification on April 2013. The Bay City native is a graduate of Victoria College and UHV with a Bachelor of Science in math. The former full-time math teacher now full time mother also works as a part-time educator, serving as a VC adjunct instructor and private tutor when she isn't on the range. She was the first female RiderCoach at Victoria College. She began riding in 2009 and owns a 2009 Suzuki Boulevard M50 special edition. When she is working, she says it doesn't feel like a job. She enjoys helping students learn and have serious fun.

Jerry Glassic

Jerry Glassic started as a RiderCoach for Victoria College in June 2015. He is a graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. degree in Computer Science and has over 21 years of experience in healthcare IT. He has worked for 3M since 2004 and is presently an Implementation Support Analyst in the Health Information Systems division. He is a devoted father of two children, participates in billiards league, and is active in the PTA and KC’s. He collects hobbies in his free time and is usually making, building, fixing or upgrading something. Jerry has been riding motorcycles since 2000 and has owned sport bikes and cruisers over the years. Currently he rides a Yamaha FZ-09. Jerry has always been enthusiastic about riding and the benefits provided by the MSF Basic Rider Course for riders of all experience levels.

Total Control Intermediate Riding Clinic

Victoria College is now also offering the Total Control Intermediate Riding Clinic, which will give experienced motorcyclists the option to attend a one-day intermediate course to obtain a Texas Class M license instead of the 2½-day basic course. Topics covered include: Throttle control, brake control, vision, line selection, low speed turning, evasive maneuvers and road speed turning.

Intermediate Riding Clinic Requirements & Dates

Admission Requirements

Total Control Intermediate Riding Clinics (TCIRC) are open to any person who is 18 years old or older.

Students must present their valid Texas Class C, or higher, driver license to enroll into a TCIRC.

Each student must provide their own motorcycle/scooter and riding gear that meet the requirements below.

Students must be able to pass the entry exercise conducted at the beginning of class.

Student Equipment Requirements

Two-wheel motorcycle or scooter: Good condition, street-legal motorcycle/scooter that is registered, licensed, and insured. Student must bring license, registration and insurance to class. Motorcycle must pass an inspection by the instructor.

Helmet: DOT approved helmet

Eye Protection:Ordinary prescription glasses or sunglasses may be worn. A helmet visor is acceptable.

Clothing: Full length, sturdy pants (jeans or motorcycle specific pants; no leggings or sweat pants), and a long sleeve shirt (long sleeve jacket is recommended).

Upcoming Total Control Intermediate Riding Clinics

Intermediate Riding Clinic FAQs

How much does the course cost? The Total Control Intermediate Riding Clinic (TCIRC) is $250.

When is payment due? Payments can be made up until the last business day before the class, but please note that registration is neither complete nor secure until payment has been made.

What time is the course held? The course is held 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

What will I need to bring to the course? Students will need their own 2-wheel motorcycle or scooter and riding gear for safety. Review the admission and equipment requirements above to learn more.

Do I need proof of insurance? Yes. Prerequisite: Good condition-street legal motorcycle that is registered, licensed, and insured.

Where does the course take place? The course is held at the Emerging Technology Complex, Industrial Training Center room 221, 7403 Lone Tree Road.

Does this course waive the written and driving portion of the DPS motorcycle test? Successful completion of the Total Control Intermediate Riding Clinic should waive both the written and driving portions of the Texas DPS test.

I have been riding motorcycles for years but never took a training course and never got my license. Is the Total Control Intermediate Riding Clinic right for me? The Total Control Intermediate Riding Clinic is the perfect next step for newer riders who are looking to improve their skills on their own bike as well as riders that have recently gotten back into riding after years off. The price of this course is cheaper than the cost of a ticket for no motorcycle license. Students learn new skills that will make them more proficient riders as well.

Can I take the Total Control Intermediate Riding Clinic to get a license to ride a 3-wheel motorcycle? No. The TCIRC is designed for 2-wheel motorcycles only.

What is the refund guideline? Refunds are issued due to course cancellation or student withdrawal before the first class day. If a course is canceled by the College or the student drops the course before the first class day, a 100% tuition refund is automatically issued to the enrolled student. Students who must drop a course before the first class day are responsible for giving advance notice of the withdrawal to the appropriate College office during office hours. Refunds are not issued for students who fail to show up for class or arrive late.

What happens if it rains during the course? The course is held rain or shine. The instructor may stop or postpone the class if he or she deems it necessary in the event of dangerous weather conditions.

Is there a guarantee that I will pass the course? No. To complete the course riders must pass a knowledge and skills test. Tuition will be charged for repeating the course.